Despite riding a three-race losing streak, Ask Victor More (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) turned things around Sunday in a stakes-setting victory in Hanshin's G1 Kikura Sho (Japanese St, Leger), the final leg in Japan's Triple Crown. Installed the 4-1 second choice, Ask Victor More broke alertly and settled several lengths behind pacesetter Seiun Hades (Jpn) (Silver State), who rolled through the first 1,000 meter in :58.7 seconds. Continuing to survey the pacesetter from second without feeling any pressure, Ask Victor More closed on the early leader passing the 800-meter pole and quickly overtook the frontrunner, leading the rest by about four lengths entering the stretch. The only threat came from Boldog Hos (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) and Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) who came charging up down the middle of the straight late, however, Ask Victor More was able to hold on to a nose victory in record time.
“I had a lot in my mind as to how I should ride in such a way that would produce good results for the colt and I am relieved that it worked out well,” said winning rider Hironobu Tanabe. “Although, he we will be facing even tougher competition in the future, I feel that he is getting stronger with every race and hope that we can continue with good results.”
The winner of his first two starts this term, including the G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Kinen in March, he finished fifth and third in his next two at the Group 1 level–the Aor. 17 Satsuki Sho and the May 29 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). In his latest start, the bay came was a close-up second behind Gaia Force (Jpn) in the G2 Asahi Hai Kinen at Nakayama Sept. 19.
Sunday, Hanshin, Japan
KIKUKA SHO (JAPANESE ST. LEGER) – G1, ¥329,790,000, Hanshin, 10-23, 3yo, 3000mT, *3:02.40, fm.
1–ASK VICTOR MORE (JPN), 126, c, 3, Deep Impact (Jpn)
1st Dam: Kartica (GB) (GSP-Fr), by Rainbow Quest
2nd Dam: Cayman Sunset (Ire), by Night Shift
3rd Dam: Robinia, by Roberto
(¥170,000,000 yrl '20 JRHAJUL). O-Toshihiro Hirosaki HD;
B-Shadai Farm; T-Yasuhito Tamura; J-Hironobu Tanabe;
¥180,653,000. Lifetime Record: 9-4-1-3. *1/2 to Hwt Older
Mare-Fr at 7-9 1/2f, MG1SW-Eng, G1SP-Fr, $909,633.
Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: F.
2–Boldog Hos (Jpn), 126, c, 3, by Screen Hero (Jpn)–Boldogsag
(Fr), by Layman. O-Shadai Race Horse; B-Shadai Farm;
¥68,758,000.
3–Justin Palace (Jpn), 126, c, 3, by Deep Impact (Jpn)–Palace
Rumor, by Royal Anthem. (¥190,000,000 yrl '20 JRHAJUL).
O-Masahiro Miki; B-Northern Farm; ¥42,379,000.
Margins: NO, HF, 5; Odds: 3.10, 10.50, 8.70.
Also Ran: Douradores (Jpn), Shihono Speranza (Jpn), Yamanin Zest (Jpn), Pradaria (Jpn), Gaia Force (Jpn), Ask Wild More (Jpn), Shelby's Eye (Jpn), Seleccion (Jpn), Verona City (Jpn), Be Astonished (Jpn), Dinasta (Jpn), Feengrotten (Jpn), Pot Bullet (Jpn), Seiun Hades (Jpn), Meiner Turpan (Jpn)
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Click for the JRA chart and video.
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